Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, refrained from confirming whether his team would engage in the customary handshake with India before their T20 World Cup encounter on Sunday. Despite the growing speculation and controversy surrounding the matter, Agha emphasized that both teams should prioritize the spirit of the game above all else.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Previous Statement
The issue first gained attention during the Asia Cup in September when India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, made a public announcement in Dubai. Yadav declared that his team would not shake hands with Pakistan as a gesture of respect for the Indian citizens who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. The decision was also seen as a show of solidarity with the Indian Army during ‘Operation Sindoor.’
Uncertainty Ahead of Sunday’s Match
Agha, however, remained tight-lipped about the issue and said, “We will see about it tomorrow” when asked whether the teams would follow the practice on Sunday.
Agha Calls for Respecting the Spirit of Cricket
Amidst the tension, Agha expressed his desire for the game to be played in the true spirit of cricket. “I expect the game should play in the spirit it has always been played since its inception,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respect for the sport, regardless of the off-field controversies.
As the match draws nearer, all eyes will be on whether this long-standing tradition will be altered or if both teams will rise above the political tensions to focus on the game itself.